A Tale of Two Fugitives

The comparison between Veerappan and Osama is pretty far-fetched IMO. As for Veerappan, it is interesting that the word ‘sandalwood’ occurs exactly once in the article.

{{Our very own Veer-appan has as over 150 cases against him, is accused of 119 murders and he does once in a while, smuggle out ivory and sandalwood worth millions of rupees, just to keep him busy.}}

I suspect that the anachronistic and dysfunctional policy on cultivation of and commerce in sandalwood – dating to as far back as the time of the thug Tipu – may go a long way to explain both Veerappan’s emergence and his persistence. The brigand could not have survived so long without the active support of locals whose economic interests are squashed by the policy and who are unreasonably harassed by forest officials for sandalwood possession.

See:

Politics and economics of sandalwood

There`s not that much in common actually.

Osama is a rich, jobless bastrd, looking to give a purpose to his life. Minus his wealth, he would never be a natural leader of men. He looks too frail to walk, let alone fight. His soft, soulful eyes and frail voice show a weak, confused mind. Its a safe bet he never had to work for a living.

The other, Veeru-dada, is a natural leader, by instinct. A tremendously skillful man and survivor against all odds. He has no idealogy, except being free to do `his own thing`...whatever that may be.

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